Comments

However, it brings up the reason why I voted "no." My son is visually impaired and will probably one day get a seeing eye dog. In the meantime, he can not get one until he is totally proficient in traveling with a cane. The reason a blind person has to be totally proficient is because there are places where a service animals have a greater chance of getting hurt ie crowded places such as a stadium, movie theatre, concert etc. and so, a responsible owner, should leave the dog at home.

It is the same with any other dog. Most Farmers Markets aren't that big. There are a lot of stalls, booths etc crowded in together. The dogs are going to get stepped on, scared by the crowds, want to fight with other dogs to show who is the alpha dog and want to mark their territory.

So, I don't think they should be there. I don't think it is fair to the dog or to the other shoppers who have to put up with the dogs.

I agree, I voted no. What happens if someone brings a dog and a kid gets bit? Oh I know it will be the parents fault of the kid and the not the owner of the dog. Leave your dogs at home. The only dogs allowed should be service dogs.

Service dogs? If you need a service dog you probabaly will not be shopping at the farmers market anyway. If you can't see the product, bring a friend, not a dog. Dogs can't tell you if the produce is ripe.

I wash my produce when I get home. I guess the majority of the posters do not? Hmm...OK...

Even as a somebody who doesn't have a dog, I'd say let 'em in. And, yes, I do go to the market and I do vote with my dollars there. I'd be curious to know how many of the above posters were making their wishes known purely in theory and how many actually go and buy.

I've been going to the farmer's market for years. I've never seen dog poop in the market or a dog fight while I was there. One of the attractions of the market for me is getting to see the dogs. I'm glad they're still being allowed.

Last I checked, it is legal to walk your dog on a leash in public in Lawrence. If certain people and their dogs are causing a nuisance, deal with them on a case by case basis. It isn't that complicated. A wholesale ban seems a bit extreme.

I own dogs and probably won't bring them to the farmers' market just because they are also subjected to a lot of distractions and I try to be considerate enough to not subject any of my fellow marketeers to barking or sniffing. If there are folks who don't pick up the poop, then shame on them, but you are right that a complete ban takes care of that. I'm just dismayed that by some of your written reactions, you must be cruel or have sick senses of humor. Civility, folks, unless you were raised in a cave.

I have seen dog fights at the Farmers Market and I have seen dogs urinating and defecating there. It's a health issue people. Unless its a service dog it shouldn't be allowed in. Your dog isn't allowed in food stores or the KC farmers market and it shouldn't be allowed in Lawrence.

I too vote with my dollars and they will dry up instantly should dogs be allowed to continue getting into the Lawrence farmers market. KC can have my business where the variety is better and costs lower.

I really wish I knew where the farmers market was, but being naive and a HUGE dog lover.... I've always assumed the market was outside (at least in other towns that are where I have seen them). Dogs are aloud on leashes outside, and there are laws in Lawrence that if they're fighting, defecating etc... The owners can get in trouble... so do your civic duty and get the authorities involved if it's such a huge issue!! And please... PLEASE wash your food before you eat it... no matter what! Goodness find something else to do on this beautiful day... maybe walk your dog, or picket wherever the farmers market is (only if it's outside though!)

Anyone that takes a dog into a very crowded situation with small children present is being selfish and negligent. I have no problem with people walking their dog, on a leash, in public, but in a very crowded situation someone simply mis-stepping on a dogs paw could lead to an unfortunate incident. Dogs in confined spaces mixed with crowds is not a good situation.

Cats, on the other hand, are a terrible waste of fur. Ever hear of a cat search-and-rescue team? Didn't think so. They don't care if you live or die. My cats are plotting to kill me, I've seen the whispering and the cutting looks. Sleeping with one eye open tonight.

I find it kind of amusing that people somehow think a dog walking through a parking lot is going to make a health problem because there are stalls with food set up. This might be news to some of you, but those parking lots are used when the market isn't there. I've seen people urinating in those parking lots, spitting in them, and who knows what has been done there that I haven't witnessed. Your food shouldn't be touching the pavement, and you should be washing your produce before you eat it. Having dogs walk through there is no more of a health hazard than the parking lots themselves.

I really think it should be at the dog owners' discretion. It has been, and continues to be, the discretion of the folks that run the market to have someone remove an animal that is disruptive or destructive.

Yes. That's right. If you've made the effort to properly socialize and train your dog, you and your dog should not be banned from the market.

My dog is a 2 year-old golden retriever. He's been to almost every farmers' market since he came to live with us. He also goes to every Christmas, St. Patrick's, Art2Go and Bikers for Tots parade that has been held in his lifetime not to mention our trips downtown during past Final 4 celebrations. He is friendly, polite, parasite-free and generally clean, which is more than can be said for many children that attend the market with their parents. (By the way, I am not speaking out against bringing kids to the market!)

He goes into any store on Mass Street that doesn't protest. He stays out of the way, doesn't mess with the merchandise and is friendly to anyone who wants to pay attention to him. I fully intend to someday get him certified as a service dog simply to give him the opportunities to have as many social experiences as possible. Who knows? Perhaps when he is much older and has somewhat less energy than he does now he will be ready for work as a therapy dog.

In the mean time, you can keep your guns, your neighborhood schools and your right to yack on your cell phone while you're driving. I'm going to keep my dog at my side. I have been more than a frequent shopper at the market. My dog follows me wherever I go, and so does my wallet.